Long Term Addiction Treatment for Physicians

When a doctor is found to have a substance abuse problem, they face heavier consequences than the average person. They are usually given the choice between having their medical license revoked or undergoing intensive rehabilitation treatment for addiction. Naturally, an overwhelming majority choose rehab. What is less predictable is how high their success rate is. Perhaps a group of medical professionals is more likely to respond to medical and mental health therapy, but perhaps the secret of success lies within the type of treatment that physicians receive. After all, there are many forms of addiction treatment on the market that range widely in quality.

Upon closer examination of the commonalities found between rehab programs for physicians, certain trends can be observed in the types of treatment received. The most obvious influencing factor is the length of the programs. State boards of medicine require lengthy rehabilitation treatments for physicians who have been found to have a substance abuse problem, usually no shorter than 90 days. This long-term separation from the addictive substance is very important to the physician’s recovery, as it allows them a safe environment to rediscover a sober quality of life in.

Other important factors have to do with the quality of the treatment methods themselves. The program options available to physicians are ones that have successful reputations and more current methods, unlike government funded rehabs. Staff count is higher while patient count is lower, making for more individualized care. The general quality of life is also better as the treatment facilities that physicians frequent are typically more high end. The programs also include thorough aftercare in the form of meetings, counselling and drug-testing.

Adhering to these requirements in rehabilitation produces on average a 75-percent success rate among doctors. These results far exceed rehabilitation programs that are shorter in length and under-funded. This type of treatment is quickly becoming regarded as the model treatment for substance abuse and addiction.

Substance Abuse Treatment for Physicians